1Department of Neurology, University of
Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; 2Department of Neurology,
University of Cincinnati, USA; 3Department of Biostatistics and
Epidemiology, University of Cincinnati, USA; 4Imaging Research
Center, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA

Advanced MRI studies have demonstrated a variety of
non-lesional pathology in MS. T2 weighted scans of deep gray matter nuclei
often reveal hypointensity, which has been shown to correlate with cognitive,
neuropsychiatric and motor dysfunction. In this abstract we demonstrate the
first MS model of deep gray matter T2 hypointensity. In a TMEV induced MS model
in SJL/J mice, gradual development of thalamic T2 hypointensity was observed.
Quantitative intensity analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between the
degree of hypointensity and disability. This novel model will allow us to study
the pathogenesis and significance of deep gray T2 hypointensity in MS.